Freshman Year - Week 5 - BuckRogersRTG's Blog

BuckRogersRTG's Blog

Freshman Year - Week 5

Posted on October 1, 2011 at 03:50 AM.

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Practice
The Florida Gators confidence was high after coming home from their first road trip of the season in which they were able to outlast the Kentucky Wildcats to remain undefeated on the season at 4-0 (2-0 in the SEC). The Gators' coaching staff were pleased with the poise that young Buck Rogers demonstrated in his first game in a hostile environment. Gators Head Coach stated that they now consider Rogers to be a veteran quarterback and with that they expect him to be able to begin making reads at the line of scrimmage that should determine which way running plays should be most effective. The Gators looked sharp in practice as they prepared to host the top ranked team in the country, the Crimson Tide from Alabama.

Game - #1 Alabama (4-0) at #18 Florida (4-0)
Florida began the game with a heavy emphasis on trying to run the ball but the 'Bama defense forced a 3 and out to begin the game. 'Bama immediately took their next drive down the field to take an early 7-0 lead. Rogers connected on a couple of deep pass plays on the Gators' next drive which moved the ball inside the 'Bama 5 yard line. Florida would attempt 4 straight running plays and the Tide would turn them away each time.

'Bama would add another TD early in the 2nd quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Rogers completed 5 consecutive passes on the next Gator drive, including a 36 yard TD pass over the middle of the field. The Gators defense would hold the Crimson Tide to a 3 and out which got the ball back with just over 2 minutes remaining in the first half for the Gators. Rogers connected on a 51 yard TD strike with just over a minute left in the half to tie the game at 14-14. A 'Bama turnover and deep pass over the middle by Rogers would allow the Gators to tack on a field goal just before halftime.

Alabama took the opening possession of the second half down the field to regain the lead at 21-17. Rogers made his only mistake of the game when he misread the coverage and forced a ball into the waiting hands of an Alabama defensive back. The INT was returned for a TD. The Gators went 3 and out on their next drive, attempting 3 running plays that gained -3 yards. 'Bama added a field goal to extend their lead to 31-17 with about 1:30 remaining on the clock. Rogers found a wide open receiver over the middle for an 80 yard TD. The Gators would fail to get the on-side kick and the Crimson Tide was able to run out the clock.

The final score was 31-24 in favor of Alabama. Player of the game honors went to Alabama halfback who ended with 170 total yards and 2 TDs. Buck Rogers had his best statistical day of his young career, going 12/26 for 341 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT.

The Florida Gators have another tough test next week as they travel to Baton Rouge, LA to face off with the LSU Tigers.

Week 5 Game Highlights: